August Update: Return to Training Protocol

Restrictions for Offaly, Laois and Kildare

7th August 2020

Government Guidelines:

• Groups of up to 15 people can meet outdoors for sporting activities  where social distancing can be maintained and where there is no contact.

• Gyms, leisure centres, swimming pools, exercise and dance studios are required to close.

• All indoor gatherings should be restricted to a maximum of 6 people from no more than 3 households in total, while maintaining physical distancing.

• Avoid unnecessary journeys wherever possible.

Club Training:

• TI Club members can train together outdoors in groups of 15 or less where social distancing of 2 metres minimum can be maintained between the group.
  Sport Ireland advises that while a group of 15 people are permitted to exercise in an outdoor setting,clubs should be cognisant of causing obstructions for other members of the public.

• The individuals participating in small group activity should remain the same where possible.

• Groups can train within their own county only and avoid contact with other members of the public.

• Run sessions: Club sessions of groups of 15, including coaches, can take place once strict social distancing is maintained at all times. Athletes should run in single file with up to 4 metres between them (ITU guidance) or at a 45 degree angle unless there is space for 2 metres minimum while running abreast This includes overtaking. Consider ability level for interval sessions, for example the fastest athlete starting first to avoid overtaking.

• Bike sessions: 

Group spins: Club group spin sessions are not permitted.  

However groups of 15 TI members or less can train together outside once government guidelines are adhered to. Strict social distancing of a minimum of 2 metres must be maintained at all times. TI members will need to carefully risk assess their route and establish whether 15 people cycling a minimum of 2 metres apart constitutes a hazard on their route. 

Time trials: Club time trials can take place once sufficient time is given for social distancing to be managed and general safety is prioritised. As per all sessions there can be no congregation at the start or finish.

Brick sessions: Club brick sessions can take place once they are run in a time trial format in an enclosed area (not using open roads) These should be carefully risk assessed for safety and Covid 19 risks with no opportunity for congregation.

Cycling is typically more vigorous and it is important to consider additional social distancing requirements to reflect the nature of the sport, slipstream effect etc. –  2 metres will generally need to be expanded

• Swim Sessions: Club open water sessions can go ahead  with groups of 15 including safety crew following the usual safety protocol. This is a decision for the club committee. If clubs cannot provide safety crew or decide against running club sessions then club sessions cannot go ahead.However TI members can still swim in groups once government guidelines are adhered to following the guidelines outlined here.